WLG | impact '25: Giving Back in Auckland

WLG | regional Auckland ’25, hosted by MinterEllisonRuddWatts, brought delegates from across the Asia-Pacific region to network and explore regional trends and opportunities. As part of WLG | impact, our Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) initiative, participants had the opportunity to engage in a meaningful hands-on activity supporting New Zealand students in need. 

Making a Difference Through WLG | impact

During the WLG | impact session, delegates participated in a hands-on activity and presentation highlighting the impactful work of the Who Did You Help Today? Trust, an organization founded and run by MinterEllisonRuddWatts.

Brendan Clark, WLG Regional Director, introduced the session by providing an overview of WLG | impact, the network’s annual CSR program. He reflected on 2024 initiatives in Bangkok, New York, Helsinki, Bali, and Buenos Aires, emphasizing the importance of collective action in making a meaningful difference.

Holly Hill, Partner at MinterEllisonRuddWatts and the firm’s sustainability lead, then took the stage to share the story behind the Who Did You Help Today? Trust. She recounted how the initiative began in 2015 when Stacey Shortall, a partner at MinterEllisonRuddWatts, posed a simple yet powerful question at the Women of Influence Awards Dinner: "Who did you help today?” Since then, the Trust has supported over 10,000 New Zealanders through various programs, including the Homework Club.

Hill explained that the Homework Club is a volunteer-driven initiative that connects professionals with students from lower-income schools to provide academic support and mentorship. Volunteers assist with homework, facilitate reading sessions, lead verbal skill-building exercises, and engage students in educational games tailored to their school’s curriculum. The program not only enhances students’ learning experiences but also fosters meaningful connections between volunteers and young learners, promoting mutual growth and inspiration for future career paths.

After watching a short video about the initiative, delegates actively participated by assembling resource packs for the schools that participate in Homework Club, including games and other interactive group activities. Attendees also took the time to write personal notes of encouragement to the children, reinforcing the human connection behind the contributions.

MinterEllisonRuddWatts’ Commitment to Sustainability

MinterEllisonRuddWatts is actively shaping New Zealand’s sustainability journey, guided by a commitment to environmental responsibility, social empowerment, and ethical business practices. The firm’s Sustainability Strategy 2021-2025 outlines ambitious goals, including reducing emissions and waste, advocating for human rights and fair wages, and promoting diversity and inclusion.

As part of its drive toward a low-carbon future, it has partnered with The Lever Room, a consultancy specializing in helping organizations measure, manage, and reduce their carbon footprints. The firm has also worked to advance climate-conscious legal practices, such as drafting contracts that support sustainability goals. Additionally, MinterEllisonRuddWatts played a key role in establishing Toitū Tahua, the Centre for Sustainable Finance, which convenes business, government, and finance leaders to develop sustainable financial solutions that drive economic growth while addressing environmental and social challenges in New Zealand.

In 2021, the firm became a certified living wage employer, reinforcing its commitment to economic fairness and social responsibility. While this in-person activity marked its first participation in WLG | impact, its broader CSR efforts demonstrate a deep dedication to building a sustainable and equitable future.

Stay tuned for more highlights from WLG | impact activities as we continue to make a difference together.